joining us now for more on these stories is our middle east correspondent. can the region afford a new conflict between syria and israel first of all? >> certainly not. the whole region is in turmoil, weather we look at nigeria, mali, egypt -- whether we look at nigeria, mali, egypt. this was really meant as a warning shot against syria, but then again, the region isyou doe react. i think this is also a message by israel to iran indicating that israel is not willing to accept any deals. >> is that why israel has attacked? >> there is no knowledge of why exactly israel attacked last night rather than a week ago or a week later. i think the new government in the making wants to make clear that they will continue policies towards the region, and it is a clear message towards iran and also towards russia. >> what about the united nations' clear criticism of israel's settlement activity? >> israel will continue to ignore this decision. so will the united states. they will continue to back israeli policies in the occupied territories, but nevertheless, there is a